New Orleans, LA to Memphis, TNYour Mississippi River Cruise

Welcome Aboard

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly™

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Welcome ....................................................3

Itinerary Overview .....................................4

Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship .......6

Staying in New Orleans ..............................7

Boarding Your Ship ....................................8

What to Bring ...........................................9

Meals & Cocktails ......................................10

General Shore Tour information .................11

General Onboard Information ....................12

Concluding Your Cruise .............................13

End of Cruise Transportation Services ........13

Port by Port Shore Tour Information ..........14

Recommended Reading ..............................19

Table of Contents

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Thank you for choosing American Cruise Lines. From your reservation to your experience aboard your ship, American Cruise Lines is with you every step of the way. Your cruise specialist is always just a phone call away and will be happy to assist you with everything from celebrating a special occasion to ensuring that your stateroom is just the way you like it.

The following pages will answer many of your questions about the cruise and your onboard experience. Your cruise specialist is available and can be reached at (800) 894-8570.www.americancruiselines.com

Welcome Aboard

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Ports of CallNew Orleans, LAOak Alley, LABaton Rouge, LA St. Francisville, LANatchez, MS Vicksburg, MSMemphis, TN

Itineraries are subject to change. A detailed itinerary will be mailed with your boarding documents.

Red Wing

Winona La Crosse

Dubuque

DavenportBurlington

HannibalGrafton

Alton Madison

Mt. Vernon

HendersonSmithland

ClarksvillePaducah

Cape GirardeauColumbus

New MadridDover

DecaturHuntsville

Oxford

TunicaHelena

Greenville

Vicksburg

Natchez

OakAlley

St. FrancisvilleBaton Rouge

LouisvilleGallipolis

Portsmouth

Marietta

EastLiverpool

Wheeling

Point PleasantMaysville

Cave-InRock

Louisiana

Mississippi

Arkansas

Tennessee

Missouri

Illinois

Iowa

Wisconsin

Indiana

Kentucky

Alabama

Ohio

WestVirginia

Pennsylvania

NewOrleans

MemphisChattanooga

Nashville

St. Louis

Minneapolis/St. Paul

OttawaPittsburgh

Cincinnati

Ohio R

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Illin

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Mississippi River

Missouri River

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Subject to change.

Whether driving, flying, or taking the train, getting to the ship is easy.

Your Ship Will Be Docked At:Thalia Street Wharf 1350 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70160(between Port of New Orleans Admin. Bldg. and Mardis Gras World)

Driving to Thalia Street Wharf from I-10 East/West1. Merge onto I-90 West Business2. Take exit 11 C—Tchoupitoulas St. and South

Peters St. (last exit before Crescent City Connection Bridge)

3. Turn right onto Tchoupitoulas St4. Turn left onto Henderson St.5. Go over railroad tracks6. Turn left onto Port of New Orleans Place7. Thalia Street Wharf is on the right (located next to

the Port of New Orleans Administrative Building)After dropping your bags off at the ship, the parking garage entrance is about 50 feet down the road on the right, just after going underneath the bridge.

Getting to New Orleans and Your Ship

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Mardi GrasWorld

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Port of New Orleans Admin. Bldg

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Flying Into New Orleans:Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the closest airport to the ship. It is serviced by many major airlines and is approximately 25 minutes from the ship by taxi.

HotelsIf you are arriving to New Orleans the night before your cruise, these hotels are located a few minutes from the ship. Please ask for the special American Cruise Lines rate. Each hotel can arrange for taxi service to the cruise terminal. Dauphine Orleans Hotel (800)-521-7111 415 Rue Dauphine New Orleans, LA 70112Wyndham Riverfront New Orleans (866) 907-0611 701 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130Hotel le Marais New Orleans 800-935-8740 717 Conti St. New Orleans, LA 70130Crowne Plaza New Orleans (877) 834-3613 Airport Hotel 2829 Williams Blvd. Kenner, LA 70062

Staying in New Orleans

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Boarding TimePlease plan to arrive at the ship between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. You may not be able to access your stateroom until about 11:30 a.m. The ship will leave at 1:30 p.m. or earlier if all guests have arrived.

Boarding Your ShipFrom the moment you arrive, everything will be handled for you. American Cruise Lines deckhands wear a distinctive red shirt and will unload your luggage from your car or taxi and bring it to your stateroom aboard the ship. Please keep your boarding passes with you, as it is not necessary for you to stay with your luggage. The Cruise Director will be awaiting your arrival at the gangway of the ship. Please present your boarding passes and photo ID at this time.

Luggage and Luggage TagsAmerican Cruise Lines places no restrictions on luggage. However, it is recommended that you bring as few bags as necessary. Suitcases less than 10 inches high may be stowed under your bed. You will be receiving luggage tags with your boarding pass before your cruise. If you would like additional tags, your cruise specialist will be happy to send you more. If you have cruised with us before, please remove your old luggage tags.

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Casual resort attire is recommended both on the ship and ashore. For dinner, men’s clothing might include a sport shirt and slacks, with sport coat or sweater. Women might find a sweater and slacks, or a dress appropriate.

American Cruise Lines also recommends that you bring the following:

• Comfortable resort attire • Comfortable walking shoes• Sunscreen• Hat• Light rain wear• Jacket for cool evenings• Camera• Photo identification

Please do not hesitate to ask your Hotel Manager for any item that you may have forgotten.

What to Bring

New Orleans wrought iron9

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American Cruise Lines offers open seating at every meal in the Dining Salon on the Main Deck. Dress is resort attire. At dinner, men often wear a sport coat and women often wear a dress.Breakfast is prepared to order at your leisure between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m.Dinner service begins at 6:30 p.m., and you are welcome to join us at any time before 7:30 p.m.American Cruise Lines provides complimentary wine and beer during lunch and dinner service. A complimentary cocktail hour with full bar is hosted each evening at 5:30 p.m. before dinner.

Glasses, ice, mixers, and soft drinks are available at all times. For other liquor requests, your Hotel Manager will assist you.

Special Diets and MedicationsAmerican Cruise Lines will cater to any special dietary needs. Please tell your cruise specialist approximately two weeks prior to your cruise so that we may plan accordingly. Refrigeration is available to store insulin or other medications requiring protection.

Meals and Cocktails

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Your onshore experience is as important as your onboard experience, so American Cruise Lines has taken special care to research and plan excursions at each port. With American Cruise Lines, you will experience what makes each destination a special place. Every tour will take you to the finest local sites at each port and give you true insight to the area’s culture, heritage and history. On each excursion, you’ll be joined by local experts, historians or naturalists to further enhance your experience. For detailed descriptions of each tour, please see pages 14-18.For additional information about the places you will visit or alternative activities available, your Cruise Director or onboard guest speaker will be happy to help.

Shore excursions come in two categories:

You may sign up for most tours onboard with the Cruise Director. American Cruise Lines is dedicated to making your onshore experience a true American Adventure.

Shore ToursPlease note that all shore tours are subject to availability and change.

F FeaturedFeatured tours are complimentary to all guests.

P Premium

Premium tours typically cost between $20 and $70 and can be paid for onboard, near the end of your cruise.

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Subject to change.

American Cruise Lines will work to meet your onboard needs and cater to special requests. If at any point there is an item that you would like to see provided, please let your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director know.

Emergency MessagesEmergency messages can be directed to the main office in Connecticut at (800) 894-8570. They will be relayed to the ship at the first opportunity. You are urged to provide American Cruise Lines with email addresses and cellular phone numbers, as well as an emergency contact prior to your departure date. Cell phones are generally available onboard the ship for emergency purposes.

TippingTipping is entirely at your personal discretion. Tips are generally given to the Hotel Manager near the end of the cruise. They are then divided equally among the stewards and deckhands. Tips generally average about $125 per person on a 7-night cruise. Stewards and deckhands do not expect and cannot accept tips directly. Credit cards, personal or travelers checks, and cash are accepted. If you choose to pay by credit card, please contact the Hotel Manager at least one day before the end of your cruise.

General Onboard Information

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On most cruises, the ship will arrive in Memphis, TN the evening prior to the final day of the cruise. The ship docks at the Beale Street Landing located at 251 South Riverside Dr., Memphis, TN 38103. On the last day of your cruise, breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. and passengers may disembark until 8:30 a.m. At the conclusion of your cruise, consider extending your stay in Memphis with one of the tours on page 18. Your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will be available to assist with tour arrangements.

For passengers flying home, American Cruise Lines offers transportation from the ship in Memphis to:Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport – departs the ship at 7:30 a.m.New Orleans Cruise Terminal Parking - departs the ship at 7:30 a.m.Memphis International Airport – departs the ship at 8:30 a.m.For more information, prices, or reservations, please call your cruise specialist at (800) 894-8570. During the cruise, your Hotel Manager or Cruise Director will also be happy to assist you with travel arrangements.

Concluding Your Cruise End of Cruise Transportation Services

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Oak alley, laOak alley PlantatiOn tOur

Located on the Mississippi River, between the historic cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the Oak Alley Plantation has been called the Grande Dame of the Great River Road. A quarter-mile canopy of giant live oak trees, believed to be nearly 300 years old, forms an impressive avenue that leads you to this classic, Greek-revival style antebellum home. This imposing mansion has been restored to its 19th century glory, a noble tribute to those who left their indelible mark on this rich river region. Experience the beauty of this opulent mansion during a guided tour.

BatOn rOuge, laCajun Heritage & rural life MuseuM

Experience 19th century plantation life during a guided tour of this outdoor living history museum.

The Plantation Quarters showcase the kitchen, slave cabins, and grist mill of a typical 19th century working plantation. After a tour of the Plantation Quarters, discover the life of early Louisiana settlers during a tour through a replica 19th century town. Highlights include the pioneers’ cabin, shotgun house, and dogtrot house.

HistOriC BatOn rOuge

Louisiana’s Old State Capitol stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge. This 160-year-old statehouse has withstood war, fire, scandal, and an occasional fistfight. Today, the building serves as a museum, depicting the history of the State of Louisiana, and stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. The museum’s multimedia exhibits engage visitors in an interactive exploration of the events and people that contributed to Louisiana’s story.

Port by Port Shore Tour Information

Oak Alley, Louisiana

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st. franCisville, larOsedOwn PlantatiOn tOur

Rosedown Plantation embodies the lifestyle of the antebellum South’s wealthiest planters in a way very few other surviving properties can. This perfectly preserved plantation showcases the cultural traditions and lifestyles of the Old South’s wealthiest inhabitants. This historic plantation will give you a hands-on appreciation for the people who lived and worked on an antebellum plantation..

natCHez, MsnatCHez City tOur

Natchez is a grand city steeped in a rich and tumultuous history. Tour through the heart of downtown Natchez, bustling with activity around every bend. Hear blues musicians playing along the city’s streets, and discover how music has helped shape the city. Tour beautifully restored antebellum homes while you learn about the Civil

A flag waves in the Natchez Historic District

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War’s impact on Natchez. Everything that the magnificent city has to offer is available to you on this unique tour.

frOgMOre PlantatiOn tOur

An 1800-acre working cotton farm, the Frogmore Plantation has 18 restored antebellum structures that date from the early 1800s. Along with the history of the early Natchez planters, the tour includes a rare Smithsonian-quality steam cotton gin. The tour continues through modern day farming life, including the planting, harvesting, and computerized ginning of cotton.

viCksBurg, MsBattle Of viCksBurg tOur

National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1,370 monuments and markers, a restored Union gunboat, and a national cemetery. Explore this sprawling battlefield with a professional guide who has

Cannons sit in formation in Vicksburg, MS

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a vast knowledge of civilian life and military operations on both sides of the siege and battle. Your tour will end at the Visitors’ Center, filled with an impressive array of exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg.

MeMPHis, tnnarrated City tOur

Relax and let your See Memphis guide show you the highlights of the fascinating City on the Bluff. Memphis is located on the Mississippi River at the northern end of the Mississippi Delta where the blues were born. Its history is linked to cotton and to music. You’ll drive past Mud Island, a Mississippi River Educational Park; Cotton Row, where 60% of the nation’s cotton was once traded; National Civil Rights Museum, located where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated; St. Jude Children’s Research hospital, the largest research center of its kind in the world; and old neighborhoods such as the Pinch District. You’ll be entertained all the way and you’ll experience Southern hospitality at its best!

graCeland tOur

Memphis is the hometown of Elvis and a stop here would not be complete without a tour of Graceland. A local guide will take you on a brief tour of the historic downtown area, Mississippi riverfront, Sun Studio, and other interesting sites before you head out of the city limits to the Presley estate. Here, you will enjoy a self-guided tour which will include the Jungle Room, the Trophy Room, and more.

Graceland

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Life on the Mississippiby Mark TwainEngrossing and entertaining anecdotes by a peerless storyteller from a now-finished chapter of American history.

Old Man River: The Mississippi River in North American Historyby Paul SchneiderPublisher: Holt, Henry & Company, Inc.

“[A] vivid history.”—The New Yorker“Reminiscent of a Ken Burns documentary...this historical book becomes surprisingly moving and meditative.”—Cedar Rapids Gazette

“Stunning...With such an expert hand on the tiller, Old Man River is an astonishing journey.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Jazz on the Riverby William Howland KenneyPublisher: University Of Chicago Press

“Jazz on the River is the first book of its kind . . . We are treated here to a heady mix of local history, riverboat mythology, trends in the making of jazz, and even biographies of its leading luminaries. This is a beautiful book full of color and detail.”—Thomas Brothers, Duke University

Immortal River: The Upper Mississippi in Ancient and Modern Timesby Calvin R. FremlingPublisher: University of Wisconsin PressImmortal River is written for the educated lay-person who would like to know more about the river’s history and the forces that shape as well as threaten it today.

Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed Americaby John M. BarryPublisher: Simon & SchusterA New York Times Notable Book of the Year, winner of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award and the Lillian Smith Award.

Upper Mississippi River History: Fact-Fiction-Legend Paperbackby Ron LarsonPublisher: Steamboat Press

“If you love River Lore, like we do, you will love this book. It has stories, pictures, and some real history.”—Amazon Customer Review

Recommended Reading

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741 Boston Post Rd., Suite 200Guilford, CT 06437(800) 894-8570

(800) 894-8570www.americancruiselines.com

tHank yOu fOr Cruising witH us!

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